{Family}

Have I mentioned that my computer suddenly started working again?  I opened it, propped my trusty flashlight on my shoulder and was working on printing some subway art for my secret sister when it happened.  I was fiddling with the brightness and all of a sudden the screen brightened and stayed that way!  Whoa.  Now it still randomly goes off again but fiddle with the brightness and it works again.  Amazing.  So now I can catch up on what our little family has been up to (hence the reason for my daily posts...)

Any hoo.  This past weekend we loaded up our crew and drove five hours to visit Bobby's brother and his sweet family.  We always enjoy our visits with Dave & Karen but this time just seemed exceptionally fun.  Maybe it was because there were two gorgeous little 3 (well nearly three) year old girls running around with my three.  Uncle Bobby spent the evenings chasing all five kids around the house while the rest of us -responsible- adults did things such as cook, set the table and clean up.  Seriously though, Bobby is an awesome Dad and a super fun uncle.  We could barely hear ourselves think due to the thundering feet and squeals of the kids but what a beautiful sound.

On Saturday we visited a local planetarium.  This may have been one of my favorite parts of the weekend because sweet little Catherine sat in my lap the entire show.  She chatted and pointed out the stars and moon to me.  Amos loved it too.  He loves being outside at night looking at the stars.  Plus Elmo & Big Bird were the narrators which made it even more fun.

We visited Dave & Karen's new house and visited two parks.  Amos has gotten fearless about going down the slides.  And tiny Hannah nearly made it all the way across the monkey bars without any help.

Before we knew it the weekend was gone and it was time to return home.  Everyone was sad to part - especially Catherine & Hannah.  Poor Hannah really enjoyed having two girls to play with.

--playing on the sun dial outside the planetarium--

 --Samantha--

 --Catherine--

 --This is my favorite picture!  I love how everyone is looking at Hannah.  She was being so dramatic about the sun being in her eyes.  Drama Queen.

Here & There

Valentines --

This year a friend of mine planned a Valentines party for us home school families.  Each kid brought a decorated box and Valentines to give out to everyone.  We played games, decorated cookies and handed out our cards.  My kids had so much fun!!

AWANA --

Once again Hannah & Sammy are loving Awana at our church.  They are both in the Sparks class - which is full to overflowing with kids.  The Sparks go through three books in their two years.  Hannah has finished her first two and she's almost through with her third.  Sammy has completely finished his first book and the review.  He can't move onto the 2nd and 3rd book until next year.  

They are so proud of how much they're learning and accomplishing.  It's so sweet to see the looks on their faces when they get their awards for their vests.

Home School --

We're breezing through school this year.  I think I'm a bit more relaxed than last year.  I was worried about keeping up with a baby (nursing!), keeping the house clean and doing school.  This year has been more laid back and the kids are enjoying it for sure.

Sammy has been working through Science with Water and he always has a blast with the experiments.

Winter Wonderland

So it snowed again a few weeks ago.  It started on a Tuesday but didn't stick too much.  Early Wednesday morning it started up again and this time it stuck around for a while.  

There was no way to get any school accomplished with our yard looking like a winter wonderland so I gave up and everyone spent the day outside sledding.  

We made snow cream, home made butter (not snow related but just wanted to give it a try) and enjoyed a delicious hot meal that had cooked all day in the crock pot. 

 Mr. Clark was off of work for three whole days and we enjoyed every minute of it.  It was kind of sad when the snow started to melt and we had to get back to "real" life (you know - school, grocery shopping, laundry, etc.)

Just Because...

They are so dang cute and I know you love looking at them just as much as I do!

These pictures were taken the day before my last post.  It was a spring like day and we opened the windows to air out the house.  The kids wore tee-shirts and played outside with side walk chalk.  

Then the next day it snowed and we were bundled up like Eskimo's!  The weather in South Carolina has been temperamental to say the least.

My gosh these children of mine are changing and growing daily and I don't feel like I can keep up.  One thing is for sure that they are gorgeous!

Snow

 The first snow of 2014 came on a freezing cold Tuesday afternoon.  I had spent the morning taking Sammy to the doctor (101.8* fever --> double ear infection) and getting his prescription filled.  After we left the doctor my Mom told me it was snowing.  By the time we got up the mountain to get Hannah & Amos, it was sticking.  The doctor recommended that Sammy not play outside in the snow but how do you tell a six year old boy that he can't enjoy a snow day?!?

This was Amos' first real snow.  I know we had that dusting last year but I don't really count that.  He loved it.  He wanted to walk in it by himself, unassisted.  And he was not happy when I'd had enough and was ready to go back inside. 

Hopefully he'll get another chance to play in it tomorrow.  The forecasters are calling for ice & snow for the next few days.  Hope you have your bread, milk & eggs!

{ 6 }

Oh my goodness, sweet Sammy Lamby is six years old.  Seriously, my kids have got to stop getting older.  Why won't they listen to me?!?!

Sammy is so low key and laid back.  He wanted a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle party with very little decorations and fanfare.  Bobby was sick on Sam's actual birthday but he had his favorite meal and Bobby's Dad brought cupcakes & we all sang to him.  Then we had to postpone his party because he & Amos were sick.  Then he had to deal with a double ear infection before we could have his party.  Poor guy!

So, we had a Ninja Turtle party with no decorations other than party masks for the kids, and no snacks other than cake & ice cream.  We did let all the guests make Mutant Ooze that they got to take home with them.  (Science at a birthday party!)

 The birthday boy & his baby brother.